In Tsuwano, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Taikodani Inari Jinja Shrine is on a hilltop with its many toriis clearly visible from the nearby river.Feb 15, 2018

Nicknamed Tsuwano O-Inarisan, Taikodani Inari Jinja is one of Japan's Top Five Inari shrines noted for many vermillion torii gates along the path to the shrine.The shrine worships Uka-no-Mitama, a deity associated with food and agriculture, and the goddess Izanami. It is Shimane Prefecture's second most popular shrine after Izumo Taisha. About a 20-min. walk from JR Tsuwano Station.Feb 15, 2018

Hozuki Ground Cherry Pod Fair held on July 9th–10th.Feb 14, 2018

Hozuki Ground Cherry Pod Fair held on July 9th–10th in Asakusa.Feb 14, 2018

Sometimes on the way to Sensoji temple in Asakusa, you might see stalls selling seasonal gifts like the Hozuki Ground Cherry Pod Fair held on July 9th–10th.Feb 14, 2018

About the Izumo no Okuni dancer. Quite a mysterious historical figure.Feb 08, 2018

Statue of Izumo no Okuni dancer near the first Otorii gate.Feb 08, 2018

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Iwami kagura dance masksFeb 08, 2018

Iwami kagura dance masksFeb 08, 2018

Iwami kagura dance costumesFeb 08, 2018

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Haniwa figuresFeb 08, 2018

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Closeup of bronze bell design.Feb 08, 2018

Dotaku bronze bells that are all National Treasures in Shimane.Feb 08, 2018

Other museum exhibits included many different ancient artifacts like dotaku bronze bells that are all National Treasures.Feb 08, 2018

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PotteryFeb 08, 2018

BoatFeb 08, 2018

Old tsuzumi shoulder drum and koto.Feb 08, 2018

Pottery kilnFeb 08, 2018

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Models of the different shrine building architencture in Japan.Feb 08, 2018

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Rear view of the shrine scale models.Feb 08, 2018

Rear view of the shrine scale models.Feb 08, 2018

These two models are similar to the large model.Feb 08, 2018

The five models look quite different although they are in agreement on some things like the number of pillars supporting the Honden. Feb 08, 2018

It is unknown exactly what Izumo Taisha's Honden Hall looked like during the 13th century Kamakura Period. Based on the evidence they could find, five researchers built their own scale models of what they thought the Honden Hall looked like.Feb 08, 2018

Very impressive model of the shrine.Feb 08, 2018

High wooden pillars supporting the Honden Hall so that it is closer to the gods.Feb 08, 2018

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Wonder how resistant this was to typhoons and earthquakes.Feb 08, 2018

Little priests going up the many stairs.Feb 08, 2018

The elevated shrine supposed to make it closer to gods.Feb 08, 2018

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People believe that the original shrine was on high pillars accessible by this long, sloping wooden steps. Really awesome.Feb 08, 2018